My Grown-Up Christmas List: Part 3: #Shop Small

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” croons Andy Williams as I am being blitzed with Black Friday ads while trying to read Thanksgiving recipes on my phone. Electronics, sweaters, appliances, and toys will be discounted as shoppers rush to stores or click “add to my cart” the day after Thanksgiving. It’s considered the biggest shopping day of the year, and the ensuing fourth quarter can often make or break a business for the year. For a few years, Black Friday started to encroach on Thanksgiving Day, by having hours on Thursday evening. But the trend seems to be to be changing. Maybe shoppers, dulled by the tryptophan from the turkey, made fewer impulse purchases or maybe the rise of online shopping made opening less profitable. Whatever the reason, more stores seem to be highlighting that they are closed on Thanksgiving, making their business seem less greedy and more family friendly.

Years ago, my husband and I braved a big box toy store for Black Friday. The store was packed like sardines, parents rushing to grab the hottest toy, filling their carts with plastic objects that would eventually end up in landfills. Being on a tight budget, we walked in with the intention of purchasing a few well thought out toys for our children. The line for the checkouts wrapped around the store, and we strategically decided one would wait in line while the other braved the crowds to get the items. By the time I found the toys, my husband had moved up in line a few feet. One hour later, we had our items in a bag as we headed back home. We looked at each other and agreed we would never again participate in that craziness just to save a few dollars.

I recently read a statement from Isabella Rossellini, actor and philanthropist, that struck me. She runs an organic farm and boutique inn, Mama Farm, in New York. She says her slogan is “Make America Small Again!” She emphasizes that by supporting mom-and-pop shops and small businesses, we create places for communities to gather. I would add that they are the heart of a community, selling goods and services curated by someone who cares about the town you live in and is hoping to add beauty to your life.

But like most people, I have gotten into the habit of clicking “purchase” with big businesses. I justify it by saying I’m saving money and/or time. But is that true? I started thinking about the amount of time I spend surfing on my couch for what I think is the perfect gift, and because I have no sense of spatial reasoning, the item arrives often smaller than I anticipated. And as far as saving money, I find myself adding items I don’t need to a cart to reach a certain threshold for free shipping. Also, being cooped up in my home means less community and more isolation.

For these reasons, my husband and I have made it a practice to attempt to support local businesses. In no way are we perfect, we still have packages arriving from big box stores. But when given the opportunity, we try to get out and stroll the streets of Chambersburg and other local communities. We have been delighted to find new bakeries, bookstores, kitchen and home décor stores, and so much more. But what has been even more special is to talk to the business owners and hear their passion, not only for the products they sell, but also for the community they serve!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving has become #ShopSmall, highlighting those small businesses that add beauty to their community. I would like to highlight some of my favorites in Chambersburg. If you start downtown, REmix Design is a great place to pick up a few plants for a living gift. She has an incredible assortment of pots and some great pieces of furniture if you are looking for a new design esthetic. A few doors down, owner Kelly Perry, has captured sunshine in a store with Cheerful Flowers & Gifts. Her shop is full of beautiful candles, lotions, wall hangings, and flowers that immediately delight all the senses. She also has beautiful Bibles, devotion books, and puzzles, and features Rifle Paper Company products. She even has items for little ones that are heirloom quality, I plan to purchase a little stuffed mouse for my granddaughter. During Christmas, she opens the shop next door as a Winter Wonderland, again curating items to boost your holiday spirit. This is not just a store, but a destination!

Further down the street, is Northwood Books, a haven for book lovers. The owner has some new items, but a lot of the books are used. Wandering the aisles, one may find a treasure for a family member or friend, maybe even for yourself. By now, you may need some caffeine to keep you going, so stop by Denim, and get a latte while picking up a bag of locally roasted coffee for the coffee lovers on your list. If you need something sweet, stop by  Brussels Cafe for a crepe or a pastry. Be sure to ask the owner when he plans on making his famous Belgian Hot Chocolate, a rich decadent drink that gives you all the holiday feels. Mark that date on your calendar, it’s something you don’t want to miss!

Further down the street is Black & Blush Boutique, full of clothing, shoes and purses for your dearest friend or sister. You may even find the perfect item for the holiday party you are attending. A few steps away is Willow & Birch, almost a year old, featuring candles, home décor’ and specialty food items for your holiday party. Her items are unique and have similar price points as big box stores. Don’t forget to stop at Lotus Bowls, for a light smoothie bowl or gift cards for those who might want a healthier option after eating decadent food during Christmas. Be sure to peak at the widow display of the legendary Olympia Candy Kitchen. Then step inside, smell the chocolate in the air and pick out an ornament for your tree.

All this shopping has probably made you hungry. If you are looking for a heartier lunch, stop at my all-time favorite restaurant Falafel Shack. The hummus is divine and even self-proclaimed hummus haters are converted. Everything is tantalizing, especially the famous Lamb Kebobs, which are often the day’s special. They even have merchandise featuring their unique logo. I hope to add one of their hats to my collection. If you are looking for authentic, fresh Mexican food, stop at Veroni Cafe, who has just announced that they are moving to larger location at the beginning of the year.

I know these are just a fraction of the small businesses downtown, maybe on your trip you could introduce me to one I have never explored. Regardless, my wish for my Grown-Up Christmas list is that more of us would support small businesses. These owners work hard not because they are hoping to strike it rich, but because they have a dream to offer something unique for their community. They support our festivals and parades. They add diversity to our downtown’s and help foster a sense of community. They are warm and friendly, and by supporting their businesses this Christmas, you are helping to ensure their survival for the next year!

I wish I could include all my favorite businesses in my area, so I am just going to list a few more that are within an hour from my home and some of my favorites in Wisconsin and one in Rhode Island. Be sure to hit the links and check them out.

Chambersburg or within an hour away: Grayce Gardens: House plants, home décor and more, Snavely’s Garden Corner: Full of Christmas trees and ornaments, Kitchen Shoppe: Perfect for the chef on your list, it’s in Carlisle WhistleStop Bookshop: A great independent bookstore in Carlise. Relish Decor: Frederick, Maryland has lots of little shops, but this is my favorite.

Sheboygan Treasures: I miss Christmas in Wisconsin, especially these favorites. Wisconsin Trader: This store celebrates Wisconsin tastefully. Nest: The perfect store where I find something for everyone. Stefano’s Slo-Food Market: This is a foodie destination, where you can find a perfect bottle of olive oil. Relish Kitchen Store: A perfect store for hosting. Olivu 426: Lotions and facial products you can feel good about. Caan’s Floral, Home and Garden: A winter wonderland where I got my favorite gnome.

Tiverton, Rhode Island: I love visiting my grandchildren, but a bonus is when I get a pastry and browse the shops at Groundswell.